Saudi Arabia views Bangladesh as a promising partner with significant economic and human potential, said His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh. In an exclusive interview with His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, discussions focused on the future of Bangladesh–Saudi Arabia relations.
The interview highlights expanding cooperation in labor markets, trade and investment, energy, and humanitarian issues, alongside growing alignment under Saudi Vision 2030. It offers valuable insights into how both countries are strengthening their partnership for shared development, regional stability, and global cooperation.
The interview was conducted by MM Rahmatullah. The most engaging part of the interview is presented here for readers.
Rahmatullah: Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Bangladeshi workers. What specific steps are being taken to increase job opportunities for Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia, and how can Bangladesh leverage Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance labor cooperation?
His Excellency Dr. Abdulllah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a key strategic destination for Bangladeshi workers. In recent years, we have worked to strengthen institutional coordination by updating labor agreements, enhancing protection mechanisms, and focusing on skills development to align with the evolving needs of the Saudi labor market.
Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, significant opportunities are emerging in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, services, and technology. Bangladesh seeks to capitalize on these opportunities by upgrading the skills of its workforce—particularly in technical and vocational fields—to enhance competitiveness and meet the demands of a rapidly transforming Saudi economy.
Rahmatullah: How do you envision the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia evolving in the next five years, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and energy cooperation, and what specific initiatives are being taken to achieve these goals?
Excellency Ambassador: We anticipate that bilateral relations between our two countries will witness a qualitative advancement over the next five years, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and energy cooperation. There is growing interest from the Saudi side in investing in key sectors in Bangladesh, including infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
We are also working to enhance trade exchange, improve the business environment, and encourage partnerships between the private sectors of both countries. In the energy sector, there are promising opportunities for cooperation in both conventional and renewable energy, supporting energy security and sustainable development.
Rahmatullah: How can Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia strengthen their cooperation in international forums like the UN and OIC to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality?
Excellency Ambassador: Both countries share converging perspectives on many global issues, particularly within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This cooperation can be further strengthened through coordinated positions on climate change, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation.
Joint efforts can also be directed toward supporting developing countries, promoting international equity, and advancing a more balanced and responsive global system.
Rahmatullah: How do you see Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia collaborating in regional and international forums to promote peace, security, and stability in the region, particularly in the context of the Middle East and South Asia?
Excellency Ambassador: Both nations play an important role in promoting peace, security, and stability at regional and international levels through moderate and constructive approaches.
Regarding development support, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made notable contributions to Bangladesh in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare—either through development funds or direct investments. We look forward to expanding this cooperation into new areas such as the digital economy and clean energy.
Rahmatullah: How can Saudi Arabia play a more significant role in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to address the Rohingya crisis, particularly in terms of humanitarian assistance and advocacy?
Excellency Ambassador: The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in the region. We appreciate the role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in providing humanitarian assistance. This role can be further enhanced through increased aid, continued support for international efforts toward a durable solution, and raising global awareness of the scale of the crisis.
This represents a valuable opportunity to highlight the prominent humanitarian role undertaken by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh Through the implementation of a comprehensive package of relief programs and initiatives, the Center aims to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions. Among its most notable contributions are the following:
- Direct humanitarian and relief support:
Implementation of multiple relief programs, including the provision of food and essential services to thousands of refugees, with funding estimated at approximately USD 3 million, to address urgent needs within the camps in Cox’s Bazar.
- Shelter projects:
Construction of 500 housing units for refugees, benefiting approximately 3,000 individuals, at a total cost of حوالي USD 334,933, contributing to improved living conditions and greater stability.
- Food security:
Ongoing implementation of food basket distribution programs for vulnerable families, under projects funded in the millions of dollars, aimed at reducing malnutrition and strengthening food security within the camps.
- Seasonal programs:
Provision of food assistance during seasonal periods, particularly during Ramadan, through additional allocations within ongoing relief budgets, estimated in the millions of dollars, to support the most vulnerable groups.
- International partnerships and coordination:
Implementation of several programs in cooperation with international organizations, within projects funded in the millions of dollars, contributing to expanding the reach of beneficiaries and enhancing the efficiency of aid delivery.
We also hope to continue close coordination in international forums to mobilize the necessary support to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of refugees.
Rahmatullah: As Bangladesh is home to a large Muslim population, many of whom aspire to perform Hajj and Umrah, how can Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia enhance their cooperation to effectively manage the significant number of Bangladeshi pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia each year?”
Excellency Ambassador: Hajj and Umrah represent a central pillar in the relationship between the two countries. Cooperation in managing Bangladeshi pilgrims has witnessed significant progress through the adoption of digital systems and improved coordination mechanisms.
This cooperation can be further strengthened through the exchange of expertise, enhancing the efficiency of Hajj and Umrah service providers, and expanding awareness programs to ensure a safe and well-organized pilgrimage experience.
Rahmatullah: Has there been any significant change in your past and present perception of the general people in Bangladesh, and how do you think this has impacted your diplomatic efforts?
Excellency Ambassador: My appreciation for the Bangladeshi people has deepened over time. They are known for their diligence, discipline, and strong values. Their positive contributions to Saudi society have been widely recognized.
This understanding has positively influenced my diplomatic efforts by strengthening communication and fostering closer cooperation at various levels.
Rahmatullah: According to the people of Saudi Arabia, what is the future of Bangladesh, and how can the two countries work together to achieve their shared goals and aspirations.
Excellency Ambassador: Saudi Arabia views Bangladesh as a promising partner with significant economic and human potential. With continued economic growth and reforms, Bangladesh is expected to play an increasingly important role in the regional and global economy.
Both countries can work together to achieve their shared aspirations by strengthening economic partnerships, developing human capital, and expanding cooperation in ways that serve mutual interests and promote stability and prosperity.
